Ya Ya Y'all

If you've read my blog for any amount of time you know how much I love and adore our close friends Chris and Lindy. They are the brains and obedient hands behind Only Servants Ministries. Seriously people, I could go on and on for hours telling you how fabulous this couple is and what an impact they are making on the people of Kenya. But, you can see all that for yourself by clicking here and checking out their ministry blog for yourself.

The reason I'm bringing them to your attention once more is for non-ministry related stuff. These two twenty*coughsnortthirty*somethings are in the process of adopting two sweet children from Rwanda.

I could go on and on and on about what fabulous, God centered parents they will be. But I'm going to keep this post as light and airy as possible. And if I start telling y'all about Lindy's mothering instincts or Chris' whole-hearted desire to father and lead a family I'll just start bawling. And these days, once I open that can-o-worms very little slow that train down.

Let me just say that no sooner than 45 seconds after their children are placed in their arms will Luke and I be calling them for parenting advice. Oh who am I kidding? We already ask them for parenting advice.

Anyway, Chris and Lindy will be flying back to the United States in the very near future. With them they are bringing ALL KINDS OF KENYAN GOODIES. With Christmas just around the corner, wouldn't your holiday be brighter getting that special little girl in your life one of these:

Or how about that special woman in your life some of these (and you can be your own special woman if you wanna be. I mean, treat yourself ladies!)?

Maybe you aren't into jewelry or dolls? Well, who wouldn't want these in their house for some interesting conversation starters, or even a reminder that Kenyans think that Mzungus (white people) are chubby?

Don't need reminding that you are chubby? Yeah, me neither. Therefore, if it were me (and this is) I'd opt for the opposite of a reminder of chubbiness and go for something that says "Stuff your face and think of Africa." I'd choose these adorable little napkin rings...

Oh wait. We were talking about Christmas presents weren't we? Thaaaaat's right. So ex-nay on the getting this stuff for yourself. Get those skinny African things for your skinny friends. Get the napkin rings for yourself. At least that's what I would do.

But in keeping with Christmas, there are several nativity sets. They come in many variations, but I like this one:


Or these amazing angels, straight from the hands of Kenyans:

Whatever your fancy, this is just the tip of the Ya Ya iceberg. All items are custom made by authentic, actual Kenyans. That's right people, real people who were born and bred in Africa. Pretty gosh darn cool if you ask me.

Chris and Lindy will be having a Ya Ya Market right here in our hometown! If you know me IRL, this won't be a problem because you can stroll downtown and see what all Chris and Lindy brought back and purchase them for yourself.

If you don't know me IRL (in real life) and are interested in these items please contact me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll see what I can do. All proceeds from the Ya Ya Market benefit Chris and Lindy's adoption fund.

Here are the specs for you locals:

Ya Ya Market
When? November 20th, 5-8pm
November 21st 2-4pm
(during the Christmas parade)

Where? That funky little coffee shop on Main Street
(you know the M*cough*'s Brew)

Sorry to be vague, but lately I've been a little paranoid about publishing our living location to the world. If you DO live locally and want to attend but have no idea where I'm talking about, then email me at the above email address and I'll hook you up!

Video killed the radio star, or something like that...

Some of you who know me IRL (in real life) may already know this. But whether you know me IRL or only virtually, I have something to tell you.

I can't listen to secular music.

Notice I didn't say I shouldn't, or that I don't want to. It's just that I can't.

It's not because I think that secular music is un-Christian. In fact, I love me some Carrie Underwood (at least her first album after her American Idol win). And, that Apple Bottom song is pretty good too (Plus, Luke will drop-it-like-its-hot to that song. And this youtube clip of that red-headed kid dancing to it just CRACKS me up.).

And just the other night we turned on the radio in our living room and all 7 of us had a super fun dance party. We rocked it out to some Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and even some new, funky music that I'm sure all the hip teenagers are listening to these days.

So, it's not that I think Christians shouldn't listen to secular music. It's just that I can't.

You see, before I married my husband I made choices about my life that didn't involve God or prayer or guidance from Godly counsel.

Some of those were good choices, like my decision that a wallet with a chain should probably be eliminated from my wardrobe. Yeah, I'm serious.

Some of those were bad choices. Like the choice to give my body to the guys I dated. Choices to live for the moment and not think about my future husband.

In high school, I really believed that I was going to marry the guys I dated. I really believed that if I was going to marry them anyway, why not go ahead and do the things married people do?

In college I enjoyed the good time I had with whoever I could have it with. The thoughts of how it would effect me, my marriage and even my children 10 years later never even occurred to me. I mean, whoever I married would have baggage too, right?

And isn't that what the world leads us to believe? I was watching a late night show the other night and one of the (female) guests said that she thought that people should just have sex before they ever went on their first date. That way, if the sex was bad, they wouldn't waste their time dating. She thought this was an excellent idea for everyone, except her two teenage daughters.

I wonder why her views changed when she thought of her own children? Perhaps she too knows why I can't listen to secular music.

For me scanning the radio dial is dangerous territory. Since it's been quite a while since I've listened to anything other than my iPod or Christian radio, I know very few new songs. So you'd think that the general radio would be safe, huh?

Notsomuch.

You see, it wasn't too long ago that I thought I could give the radio a try. I turned it on to our local New Music station and began listening. The first few songs were okay.

Then it happened. They played an oldie-but-goodie.

At first I was like, "Oh! I like this song!" But then, I remembered. I remember who he was and how I felt about him. I remembered what he smelled like and how I gave myself to him.

He was not husband. Thoughts and memories came back to me that I had thought I had forgotten. I snap back to reality when one of my children calls for me from the back of the van. The rest of the day I spend fighting off thoughts of him and what we did.

I'm totally serious. It's that bad and it doesn't bring blessings and warm fuzzies to my marriage.

I do have fond memories too that are evoked by songs. Sweet Home Alabama will always make me giggle and want to stand on a chair (500 points to the first person who knows why and can say so TACTFULLY in the comment section). Brown Eyed Girl will never be sung the same and will always have my sorority's twist on it. And the Dixie Chicks' first album will forever remind me of my first semester in college and the freedom I felt being on my own. Plus, Salt-n-Peppa will forever make me wanna Shoop.

So maybe it's dramatic for me to seclude my self from the secular music world. I'm sure there are many other secular songs that would evoke fond memories of my past. But in all honesty, it just too dangerous.

Why would I risk having a mental affair with someone I should have never been involved with in the first place? Why would I want to risk lowering my husband in my eyes because of a "good" memory (that is probably skewed) with another man?

I can't find a single reason why. Hopefully, your past is less tainted than mine. Hopefully the radio doesn't send you into a tailspin of emotion from years past.

But for me, my past killed my ability to freely listen to the radio. It has killed my ability to be hip and cool and know the newest Black Eyed Peas song. But I'm guessing that even if I knew the lyrics, I wouldn't be that cool anyway.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Stank and Squirrels and Sickness

It's Friday already. Man this week flew by. Once again my memory, along with several laughable moments, escape me. Gee, how I wish our walls could talk so they could remind me of all the funny things I've forgotten. Actually, maybe I don't wish that. Maybe they would tell a little too much.

Anyway, onto this week's Das Not Funny! Friday post including all the things I will tell.

One morning last week all 3 big kids climbed into bed with me while the babies were still sleeping. I clicked on the TV hoping to catch a few more Zzzzz's. As I doze in and out of consciousness, this what I hear:

Lucas: "Shuuuuuu weeeeee! My fangers stank. Bizzy, wanna smell dem?"

Elizabeth: "Sure." ............... "Wooooo. You're right. They do stank!"

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**Look away now if dead animals freak you out**

Yesterday our bird dog squirrel dog, Brinkley, delivered this little gem to our door step:

This is the 3rd one she's delivered to us as a, um...trophy.

The kids were lucky enough to witness Brinkley proudly presenting me her catch. Therefore, it became a hot topic for the rest of the afternoon. When Luke got home he shoveled up the rodent and began the trek to the woods to dispose. However, the kids wanted to do this:

The look on Ashlee's face alone is enough to crack me up. However, the icing on the cake was when Elizabeth said,

"Mom! I can see it's poop hole!"

Yes sweetie, you can. Along with it's bulgy black eyes and nasty, rodent teeth.

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Just when I thought the morning sickness was over it came roaring back on Tuesday. As I hovered over our kitchen sink, Elizabeth looked on with with concern. As I changed my clothes and we prepared to go out on a Mommy/Daughter date she asked,

"Mom. Why did you frow up? Are you getting sick?"

"No baby," I responded, "It's just because of the baby in my tummy. It still makes me sick sometimes."

"Why, Mommy? Do all Mommies get sick when they have babies in their tummies?"

"No baby," I sighed, "not all of them."

"Well, why do you get sick?" she questioned.

"Because honey. That's just the way God made my body," I tried to explain.

"Well why in the world would God do a thing like that?"

I'm asking Him the same thing.

Alrighty folks. Below is MckLinky if you'd like to play along. All you have to do is enter your info into MckLinky and he will do the rest. Y'all have a great weekend.

Daddy Day (and Night) Care

Have you wondered just how those 6 days went while I was away, enjoying sleeping in and not changing diapers? Below is a post that Luke wrote for all of you inquiring minds. The best part about my entire vacation was the desire my husband had to caring for our children and let me take a break. I think he was just as excited about my getting a vacation as I was. If nothing else from the whole week stands out to me, it is that my husband loves me more than I could ever deserve. I am married to a remarkable man. One that loves me when I'm unlovable, takes care of me when I'm capable of doing things myself and sacrifices knowing the benefits I will reap. Sounds a lot like another Man I love. I am truly blessed beyond measure.

So, without further ado, here is Luke's take on 6 days of being a single Dad:

So you may ask what life is like for 6 days, with 5 children (all under 5 years old), while your wife is away. I have to ask myself the same question. First of all, I am not some super hero, tight-wearing, perfect dad. Several people have asked how things were, while my wonderful bride (I may have added that part) was off on a deserted island being waited on hand and foot. Everyday there were about 2 meltdowns before breakfast, 1 before lunch, 2 before dinner, and 1 before bedtime.

After we dropped mommy off at the airport, the first destination of the daddy day care bus was..... Bass Pro Shop. For those of you that know me, that, in and of itself should be funny. I must say going there at 10:00 in the morning was quite nice. There is noooo body there. I have the babies in the twin stroller and the older kids get to walk around. They all listened really well. The biggest hits were: Lucas getting to touch an actual gun, Elizabeth seeing the HUGE catfish in the fish tank, and Ashlee finding the princess tackle box. After that 2.5 hr time span (hey, they were happy and I wasn't leaving), we went to a park to burn off some more steam. We finally made it back home for naps.

That one day is the only full day I remember. Some other activities we had were: playing in the leaves, children's museum, gymnastics, church, bounce house, and my memory is gone again. We did some school work. I say some so you can insert how much you think it was. I would stay on the low side if I were you. Me being the morning person I am we were out of the house by 9:00 most days. For the first couple of days things were ok. Mentally I think it helped knowing she would be gone for a while and I had no choice but to make it work. The longer the week got, the harder things got. By the sixth day I completely failed at being a patient, loving dad. I found myself getting on the kids for every little thing. What was really hard was there was no down time. I found myself constantly correcting someone, changing a diaper, fixing something, stopping a fight, cleaning, etc. By the end of each day I was done.

What really helped during the week was starting everyday in prayer and studying the bible. The two days I didn't start my day with God I had the least amount of patience. I must say I had a lot of quality time in the word and in prayer. The distractions of work were not there, the computer was broken, and we don't have but 8 channels to watch. When the kids went down for there naps I would lay down for 30 minutes to an hour. It was so refreshing. Jessica had also pre-made some meals before she left. We had friends bring by dinners. Grandparents took us out to eat and some of the kids stayed with them 1 or 2 nights. Friends dropped in, with their kids, to bring a good distraction for my children. Two nights, guys dropped by to make sure I was still alive. Friends called to check on me, offer to go to the store, bring a biscuit buy. Friends at church helped load and unload the kids. The older kids stepped up and helped clean and helped with the babies.

After it is all said and done I would do it again. I do see the daily struggles Jessica has to deal with and it makes me appreciate and love her so much more. I am especially thankful that God has put in her a desire to be with our children day in and day out. It was a great week with my God and my children.

Jesus Storybook Bible Giveaway!!!!

I will begin this post by saying that I have not been financially compensated by Zonderkidz, Zondervan or any of its affiliates for any endorsement of their product. I heard through some webish grapevine that there is a new, boring law that could get me in trouble if I host a giveaway and do not disclose whether or not I have been financially compensated. I have not.

I wish I had. What a life, huh? Paid to give stuff away. Bring. it. on.

Mmmmkay. Now that those technicalities are outta the way...

I'm am SO STOKED!!! This will be a lengthy post where I overuse the italics feature and possibly too many exclamation points!!!!

Somehow, by the grace of God himself, I won several copies of the Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition. First of all, lemme just tell you what an incredibly, cool Bible this is. Then I will tell you how YOU have a chance to win 1 of 5 copies that I'm gonna give away, right here.

Oh yes people, I'm that fancy.

First of all, this Bible.

I LOVE it.

Yes, technically it is a Children's Bible.

Technically.

But I've never been one to classify myself by a mere technicality.

Our kids love this Bible, I love this Bible and Luke loves this Bible. It's fun to read, easy to understand and sparks some seriously great discussions with our oldest three children. It is beautifully illustrated and the author does an incredible job of taking every story in scripture and richly bringing it full circle, back to the miracle of Christ.

I'm tellin' you, that Sally Lloyd-Jones is magnificent.

Most times, when we read these stories to our children I get teary eyed. And that's just the plain 'ol regular version. You see, we've owned this Bible for some time now. My mom got each of the big kids their own copy a while back. It's been a frequent reading in our bedtime story routine for almost a year.

But this Deluxe Edition is something real special. It comes with 3 audio CDs where you can listen to this guy, who has an incredible accent by the way, read with passion and all those fancy voice inflections that your English teachers always wanted you to do in school.

It's superb. Just superb.

Check out the Jesus Storybook Bible's website to see samples of the stories and hear excerpts of the audio CDs. (I tried to steal some of their photos and such, but they've got it all copyrighted and blocked. Darn those big wig publishers and their fancy, schmantsy computer nerds!)

I promise you won't be disappointed if you check out their stuff. Some stuff, like downloads, are even FREE.

Okay, so onto the Giveaway, right?

Up for, er, giveaway are 5 copies of the Deluxe Edition Jesus Storybook Bible. Each copy includes:

1 Deluxe Edition Bible in Hardback
3 Audio CDs of the stories included in the Bible
1 case to store your new Bible treasure
1 promise from yours truly that this will become your new, favorite family Bible (and isn't that worth more than the other 3 combined? No? oh well...)

I PROMISE you will want to win one of these sets.

You have several options to enter the giveaway. Here they are, in no particular order.

Option #1. Read my post about Run 4 Revolution. Then, click here to donate $5.00 toward ending child sex trafficking and to support the International Justice Mission. Once you go to the Run 4 Revolution site, scroll down and click on "Sponsor" on the left side of the page.

For every $5.00 you donate, you get an entry. (For example, if you donate $15.00 that is THREE full entries.)

If you are thinking of going all in and purchasing 7 or more entries, you can simply click here and join Run 4 Revolution for the low, low price of $35. You'll get lots of cool stuff, support a great cause (one that is currently awaiting it's 501(c)(3) status) AND you'll get TEN whole entries for the price of 7. That's a bargain people, and you all know how I'm all about bargains.

And, the best part is, you DON'T HAVE TO BE A RUNNER TO JOIN. It's simple, really. So grab a donut and click away peeps.

Please be sure to put "Bible Giveaway" in the text box when you pay via Paypal. And it probably wouldn't hurt you to double up and shoot me an email me (beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com) telling me you've donated and how many entries you purchased. My friend Lindsey will be checking on the R4R side but just to be safe, email me too.

Option #2. Read my post about Run 4 Revolution. Then, YOU blog about Child Sex Trafficking AND Run 4 Revolution. You must link to the Run 4 Revolution website somewhere in your post. You'll get bonus sprinkles if you use the logo by swiping it from their site. Sprinkles don't count as entries. They just look good.

Come back and leave a comment giving me the URL address of your POST.


Option #3. Read my post about Run 4 Revolution. Then, put the Run 4 Revolution widget on your blog. You can see what it looks like by checking out my upper right sidebar. It's super cool and super easy. Simply go here, copy that funky looking text/code at the bottom of the second box and paste it into an HTML/Java Script Gadget in the Layout section of your blog.

Come back and leave a comment giving me the URL address of your blog.


That's it! Three incredibly simple ways to enter. You can gain an entry into the giveaway by doing EACH of the things listed above. However, you will only win one Bible. Sorry folks. If you don't have a blog, well, sorry. Looks like you'll just have to purchase your entries OR start a blog ASAP and get to bloggin'.

Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be announced the following week.

The retail price for the Deluxe Edition Jesus Storybook Bible is $24.99 and can be purchased by clicking here or on your favorite retail site, such as Amazon.

Good luck! Let the RACE begin!

Terrible Threes Twos Toddlers Attitudes

I suppose gone are the days when I blogged about deep, intellectual thoughts and things that had more to do with the purpose of life rather than just my purpose with loading the dishwasher, washing machine and changing diapers.

Hum? What's that?

This blog was never that deep?

Good. Then you won't be too disappointed when this post is only surface deep as well.

Lucas woke up in the same mood he went to bed with last night. And, that's not good because it wasn't a good 'un.

After some much needed convincing from his mother, he decided that his day would stink big time if his a.t.t.i.t.u.d.e. continued on into the afternoon.

So, I pawned him off on my Nana. Oh stop it! He'll be an angel there because he will be the only one getting her attention and she has the coolest toys.

Ashlee is at my Mom's house as well for the afternoon. That means that it's just Elizabeth, me, Baby Girl and Aaron the horrible. I think his terrible two's have reared their ugly head WAY before his 2nd birthday. He is a total stinker. When he receives correction he storms off in the other direction, usually in search of something he can hit saying, "Uhhhh Uhhhhhh!"

Not so cute.

Seriously, winter has hardly started here and already my children have cabin fever. Sweet Lord have mercy. It's gonna be a long winter.

I felt the baby move yesterday while I was up and around doing normal, everyday stuff. This is the first time this has happened. Usually I only feel the baby when I'm sitting or laying down. But then yesterday, while inspecting the fridge for something to make for lunch, boom! There is was. It was a shocking reminder that this baby will be here before I know it. I'm already 22.5 weeks. Over half way there. Holy mackerel.

On another note, be sure to check back bright and early tomorrow morning for a super great giveaway! I am so excited!

Finally, because I can, I will leave you with a few pics of my sweet girls.

Couldn't you just eat her right up with a spoon?

Totally sweet.

When asked to pose like her older sister, this is what I got. Classic Ashlee.

Y'all have a great week and be sure to come back tomorrow!

Monday, Monday

Wow. Today has been a MON-DAY.

Baby Girl has therapy on Monday mornings and when the therapist showed up I was half dressed and still brushing my teeth.

At lunch, Aaron decided he only wanted apples and yogurt for lunch. Which works out fine except that he likes to swallow all foods completely whole. That works well for yogurt. Notsomuch for apple slices.

Finally, at naptime Lucas decided that he was afraid of his room because of dinosaurs, then zebras, then hungry wolves.

So, I decided to let him rest with Elizabeth while I got some much needed housework blogging done. Instead of napping the two of them played and giggled and ultimately broke Lucas' most prized possession. A "Spirit" horse statue.

Insert massive freak out by Lucas.

He is currently screaming at/for me from his bedroom. I am praying he finally falls asleep so that he won't be a screaming-banshee-terror-child later.

Sigh.

Is it Friday yet?

Stay tuned this week because I am super excited about an amazing Giveaway I have scheduled for Wednesday!

That is, unless Lucas' room continues to be invaded by gorillas or zebras or crocodiles or....

Das Not Funny! Friday: Mike, Mail and Wally

It's been a while, huh? SO many funny things happened these last few weeks. Too bad I only remember about 3 of them. Geesh, I love the memory lapses that come with being pregnant.

There have been several things over the last few weeks that caused me to chuckle or out right laugh out loud. So settle in and enjoy this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday. Not sure what Das Not Funny! Friday is about? Click here for details.

While I was out of town I got to spend much too little time with my BFF Amanda and her three precious children. (She has a husband too, but I don't think she'd appreciate me calling him "precious." Actually, I don't think he'd like it that much either. And now, I'm feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Aaaannnnnyyyyyway....)

The first time her oldest daughter Addie saw me adoring Annabelle the following conversation took place.

Me: "Hey Annabelle." (insert lots of mushy baby talk that I won't repeat)

Annabelle politely cracks an eye open to look at me.

Addie: "You know what she's sayin'?"

Me: "Um. No. I guess I don't."

Addie: "She's sayin' 'I'm watchin' you Wazothski. Allllllllllways watchin'.'"

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Elizabeth and I are resting during nap time this week. As a commercial comes across the screen she leans over to me and whispers,

"Mom. I loooooooooove Walmart."

"You do?" I respond.

"Yep. They've got all the best toys."

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One night while I was out of town I called and got on the phone with a frantic Elizabeth. She was sobbing about some recent injustice no doubt doubt handed to her by her brother or sister. I'm trying to calm her down, from 750 miles away and her wails go something like...

"Mooooommmmyyyy! I miss you. And.....Bubbie.....mean......Ashey.......not fair! I'm so saaaaad..... (sob, sob, sob).

Hey! Remember you said you'd mail me a letter? When you gonna do that?"

Me: "I'll mail it tomorrow."

Elizabeth: "Okay, well, I gotta go. Bye!"

Oh how I wish I could remember more because there were several times since I've been home that I've laughed hysterically and then thought, "Man! I need to blog that" only to forget again.

So, if you'd like to play along with this week's Das Not Funny! Friday it's really simple. All you have to do is write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post. Link back here and then enter your info into MckLinky.

And (insert dramatic drumroll) coming up early next week I have a SUPERB surprise that I cannot wait to show you all. It might even cause some of you lurkers to show yourselves! It's fun people.

Y'all have a good weekend.

Download, rinse, repeat...

I got home LATE Tuesday evening and was greeted by my wonderful husband and the squeals of our three eldest children. It is great to be home.

Then, eager to catch up on blogs and check emails, I turned on our computer only to confirm what my husband had already stated that, "The computer was broken."

A phone call to the Dell company and an overnight package later and we have a brand new hard drive. But, with that, we lost all of our pictures and all of our software was wiped out.

So, as I rebuild our computer for the next couple of days, I also hope to blog about my amazingly long, wonderful, relaxing trip.

Until then...I'll be downloading software and restarting, downloading software and restarting, downloading software and.....

Friday night in the (not so) big city...

Hey peeps. Sorry for not posting a Das Not Funny! Friday post today. I had every intention of stealing borrowing my sisters laptop and posting one, but I didn't. Instead, I slept.

Word on the street (and from my awesome husband) is that Luke and the kids are doing remarkably well. School is being done, playdates are being had and so far everyone is happy, healthy and missing Mommy.

I'm headed off to my high school Alma Mater tonight for a high school football game. I'm both excited and a little apprehensive. If you've read my blog for long you know that I don't have the fondest memories of high school. If you've not been around here for long and you are interested, click on the old photo of Luke and I in my left sidebar under The Story of Us to get somewhat caught up.

Tomorrow, my sister and I are heading up to my old college campus to meet up with a great friend from college. I'm having a great time catching up with family, my BFF and friends, but I miss my man and kids like CRAZY.

Y'all have a good weekend.

Leavin' On A Jet Plane

Tomorrow, I head off for an almost week long vacation all by myself. Yep, you read that right, alone. I'm heading off to see my Dad, Sister, BFF Amanda and a few other long, lost friends for 6 days, alone. Manning the children and holding down the homefront will be my wonderful husband extraordinaire.

A month or so ago when I booked my airline ticket I had no apprehension about leaving the kids and Luke here. In fact, I was almost giddy when I clicked "purchase" for my flight. However, as the day creeps closer I'm starting to have some anxiety. I mean, it will be Luke with the 5 kids, all by himself for nearly 6 days. Day and night. That's a lot for anyone to handle. I know it would be pushing the limits of my sanity. And, Luke doesn't want any help.

And while I'm sleeping in and being pampered (because I will totally play the pregnancy card approximately 1,000 times with my Dad) my sweet husband will be waking up early and going non-stop all day long. Oh sweet stomach please stop that churning.

I know Luke is capable of tending to the needs of all of our very, small children. I guess I just know how incredibly ready I am to see him each and every day at 6:00pm and he will not get that reprieve of another person coming in to divide and conquer.

And, if I'm being totally honest with all of you I have two other very real concerns. The first is that I would like for my husband to be mentally stable when I get back. I don't desire for this to be 6 days of you-know-what for him. The second is a tad more self centered. What if I get back and he's completely refreshed, the house is clean, our children are more educated and he doesn't even hint that it was one bit of a struggle?

I guess I'd prefer for the next 6 days of his life to be carefree and filled with joy. But, selfishly, I'd like to be missed and even welcomed home with tired, weary arms. I only say that because I know that when (and I say when because after these 6 days I will require Luke to get away for a few days) my husband goes on a vacation, I KNOW without hesitation that I will welcome him home tired and possibly totally worn out.

So, if you know Luke I'm gonna ask you to pray for him. And if you're a good man friend and you're reading this post, I'm even going to politely ask beg you to stop by and offer him some company. The kids go to bed at 8:00pm. I'm sure he'd enjoy a friendly knock on the door about 8:30. Even better if you bring a movie and some snacks.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Stinky, Jelly and Worship

Welcome Friday! The last couple weeks I've taken some time off from writing new Das Not Funny! Friday posts. You'd think I'd have a TON of new things my kids have said. But, I don't have as much as you'd think. My pregnant brain forgets so much these days. Here are the few I could remember. I hope they make you chuckle, just a little bit.

After our ultrasound on Wednesday, the kids had lots of questions, mostly about the actual ultrasound itself. The doctor was very kind and explained every step of the process, including putting the "jelly" on my tummy. As I was wiping my tummy clean from the jelly, the kids asked if they could touch it. The doctor kindly asked if the kids wanted some for themselves.

All 3 big kids held out a single finger and he applied a small dollop of "jelly" to their fingertips. No sooner had he applied Ashlee's than the following words came out of her mouth,

"Jelly! Can I eat it?"

For being so small, food is ALWAYS on her mind.

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Baby Girl is known around our house for her ability to produce some excessively stinky diapers. How someone so small produces such a fowl, lingering stench I'll never know. Nonetheless, Elizabeth came over to kiss her after Baby Girl had woken up from a nap. Here's what followed,

"Hey pretty girl. Did you take a good...... WOW! YOU'RE STINKIN' THIS PLACE UP, MISSY!"

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On the way home from Community Bible Study yesterday, we were listening to the song "What Do I Know of Holy?" by Addison Road. Elizabeth was being so sweet singing along and even raising her hands in the back of the van really worshiping to her new favorite song. As I watched her tears burned the back of my eyes. Watching it all from the rear view mirror, scan my eyes over to Lucas who is mimicking his older sister. Finally, I look at Ashlee who is sandwiched between the two. On her face is the largest scowl I've ever seen. She's so put off at her current situation that I couldn't contain myself and I burst out laughing and crying at the same time.

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Aaron continues to display a temper that is uniquely his own. After being reprimanded or having an item taken from him he will run away often shrieking his disapproval. Elizabeth has apparently picked up on my apathetic attitude toward his screeches as she will now frequently say to Aaron, as he walks away,

"Oh, you are SO pitiful. Poor neglected baby. Oh, you'll get over it."


Won't you join me and write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post? If you do, I'd love to read it. Simply enter your info into MckLinky so I will know where to find you!

Y'all have a great weekend!

Ultrasound Today & Some Updates

Little Beaver Baby #6 looked perfect during today's ultrasound. The doctor did a very quick and thorough ultrasound of the baby's head, spine, heart, abdomen and femur. Luke and I decided to NOT find out this baby's gender ahead of time, despite the protests from many, many friends and family. Guess you'll just have to keep reading until March!

We took the three big kids and they loved seeing their baby brother/sister on the big TV screen. Just for the record, all three big kids along with myself believe that this baby is a boy. Luke is BEYOND convinced that it is a girl. It's been the topic of daily debate in our house and I'm sure it will continue to be until he/she gets here.

Here's the only photo we got today. The doctor couldn't get a good profile picture because of the way the baby was laying. So, this was the best we got. The baby is laying face up, with his head on the left, booty on the right and her legs wrapped around the top of the picture by his face, with her knees right by his nose. Limber one, huh? You may have to click on the photo to enlarge it just a bit. That black area you see in her abdomen is the stomach. (Yes, I know I just interchanged his and her. I'd rather do that than say "it".)


In other news, we did receive an offer on our house and after some negotiating, we reached an agreed price. However, the offer is contingent upon the buyers selling their current home, which was just recently listed with our realtor. The offer expires on December 8th, which means if they do not have a contract on their home by that time, our contract is voided.

This is good for us, because we didn't want to be closing and moving around the time the baby will be born. Since it is taking 45-60 days for new mortgages to close, getting a contract after mid-December would put us closing and moving mid-February, early-March which would also be baby time. If the contract is voided as of December 8th, our house will be off of the market until after the baby comes.

Plus, even if they do sell their house, our house still has to appraise, they must secure a loan and our home must pass their standards for an inspection. So even still, we are not holding our breath.

That's about it. Hope y'all have a great Wednesday.

Party Pictures

For first birthdays we've never had BIG parties for our kids. Usually, it's just immediate family. However, Baby Girl's birthday was extra special because we had grandparents in from out of town. I hope you can see the sheer joy on Baby Girl's face. She had an excellent time being the center of attention.

By the way, I'm SO over not showing her face. I mean, she's so incredibly close to being legally free for adoption that I'm just gonna show off her beautiful face and continue to be as discreet as possible with giving away any identifying information (not that I disclose much identifying information about us anyway, I guess).

Anyway, ENJOY!

All the Beaver kids, personalities and all.

Run 4 Revolution

Y'all, I'm gonna be real honest here. I hate running. No, let me rephrase that, I HATE running. Don't get me wrong I don't dislike physical activity in general (despite my plump appearance), but running just isn't my thang.

I tried it about a year ago and I think it last about 2 weeks. You see, it's always been a strong dislike of mine. When I was in college I was on the volleyball team. In addition to our 2-3 hour a day practices, we'd also run 2 to 3 times a week. During pre-season, we were required to run a timed mile and in order to play, we were to run that mile in 8 minutes. I know, that doesn't sound like much to some of you crazy people who enjoy pounding your feet on the pavement. But volleyball players are not typically runners.

We would run our timed mile every-other-morning (at 7am) during preseason, each time with the goal of 8 minutes. EVERY time we had our timed mile my alarm would go off, I'd slide out of bed and the dry heaving would begin. I would dry heave as I got dressed, put my hair in a messy ponytail and tied up my shoes. The dry heaving would get increasingly dramatic as I walked the 75 yards across a portion of campus (it was a small campus y'all) to the track. As we ran our "warm up lap" I would dry heave further, sometimes making my team mates snarl their lips and run away from me.

Dry heaving continued until I was 3/4 of the way through my first timed lap. Then, I was fine. I'd push through and finish my mile, usually within the 8 minutes required. Truthfully, once I was into my 3rd lap, I was fine and knew that I was going to make my time.

So you see, I HATE running. But even though I had a profuse hatred of running, I bit the bullet and did it because I had a goal, a purpose even. Without making that 8 minute mile I was not allowed playing time. So, I ran because something depended on my running. As I continued through my 4 years of college volleyball, it became easier. Mostly because I knew that not making my timed mile was not an option.

A year ago when I started this whole, "I'm gonna run" bidness, my main goal was to just "get in shape." Well, then we got another newborn (Baby Girl) and finding making the time just fell to the wayside.

But now, I have a reason again to run, or, um....jaulk, as will be my case. My multi-talented friend Lindsey and my African Soul Mate, Lindy have founded a new organization called Run 4 Revolution. Run 4 Revolution is a worldwide running club that raises awarenss and funding for Child Trafficking. Seriously people, if there was ever a reason for this tub-o-jello to run, it's this.

When I first heard about it, I seriously thought, "Crap. I'll never be able to contribute to that. Ever. Afterall, I HATE running." But then, I read more about it. I was slowly getting reeled in and then I saw it...their tag line. It got me.

Run 4 Revolution

...Run like somone's life depended on it.

Wow. Back when I was running all those timed miles in college I used to joke that it would be so much easier for me to run faster if someone would chase me with a knife (morbid, I know). The truth is, running like your life is at stake makes running, well...easy.

Hopefully, I can begin walking now, then maybe jaulking, then once this baby gets here, running...just like someone's life depended on it.

Won't you try running or jaulking or even walking with me...because someone's life does depend on it. If you can't do any of the above, won't you check out Run 4 Revolution's website and consider sponsoring one of their already active team members who are running in half and/or full marathons.

For more info and/or to hear straight from the horses mouthes, check out Lindsey's blog or Lindy's blog.

Now, with all this talk of running, my gag reflex is in hyperactive mode. I think I'm gonna go grab a slice of pie or something and plan out my walking route.

One Year Ago Today...

As I write this, it is October 8th. One year ago today I had no idea that I would be sitting on the verge of a day that would be celebrated for years to come in our family.

As you are reading this, I will be thinking about the miracle that is our youngest daughter. One year ago today she was born at a local hospital without my knowing. She was most likely placed in the arms of the woman who carried her in her womb for approximately 9 months. God allowed her to survive things that most babies should not because He knew what joy she would bring to our family.

As you read this, I will be remembering that one year ago today I got a call from our social worker telling me about a newborn baby that needed a placement. I called Luke at work and asked him about taking a newborn, knowing that Aaron was only 4 months old. We knew it was crazy, so we prayed and waited. Finally, my heart could no longer take thinking about a newborn little girl, laying in a hospital, most likely all alone.

Today we celebrate all the joy that Baby Girl brings to our family. We celebrate her laughter, her two-toothed smile. We celebrate her squeals and shrieks of exhiliration. We celebrate the way she loves her siblings and they love her back.

Today, we celebrate our youngest daughter and the way she completes our family.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl. We love you so very, very much!

In other news, my BFF Amanda will deliver her second daughter today. Please keep her in your prayers. I am so excited that her new little one and Baby Girl will share a birthday!

(Shhhhh! We'll keep this picture our little secret.)

Baby Girl's TPR Update and More

I found out earlier this week that Baby Girl's TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) Order was filed (which is a really good thing). However, several things were incorrect on the order which means it now has to be rewritten and re-signed by the judge. It could take several more months for all of that to happen (which is a not-so-good thing).

That means, instead of her being legally free for adoption by Christmas, it's looking more like February.

In other news, the people came back to look at our house for a 2nd time last night and are asking loads of questions about everything from plumbing (like we know those answers) to general home maintenance. We are hoping they will make an offer soon. Once we have an offer and an agreed price, Luke and I will begin discussing our options and whether we want to buy something else or rent for a while.

Lastly, Luke's Dad, step-mom and step-sister come in today for a long-weekend visit. The kids (and Luke and I) are so excited! We have big plans for the weekend that include Baby Girl's FIRST birthday party, soccer for Elizabeth and maybe a few family photos.

It's looking to be an awesome weekend.

Home For Sale

As you may know, we have our house on the market. On Sunday we had our second ever showing and the folks seem really interested. They are coming again tomorrow night for a second look and both our realtor and their realtor think they will make an offer.

I'm not getting my hopes real high. There are so many things that have to fall into place before we can kiss this pile 'o debt goodbye begin frantically searching for a new place live. We have to reach a negotiated price, there have to be no hang ups with the inspection or appraisal. They must secure a loan. And finally, closing must go through.

So, I'm trusting. Although it's really hard for me to think about moving from this house because I really love it so much, I know that putting our house on the market was an act of obedience. And if it is God's desire for us to be living someplace else by Christmas time, then we will.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Flashbacks and 'Coons

I'm ashamed to admit that Luke and I got our money's worth for whatever my grandma originally paid for our VCR last night. I mean, I've had that same VCR since I was in high school, but last night grandma's $25.00 was well spent. We put the kids to be early and settled into a night of VCR heaven that proved to disturb my dreams in mind-baffling ways. After 4 hours of TV drama, we called it quits and shut 'er down so our precious VCR could rest until next week's Thursday night adventures.

I say all of that to say, I don't have a shiny new Das Not Funny! Friday post. Sorry peeps. Instead, I'd like to offer you something I've read lately that made me laugh out loud and a couple of my favorite flashback Das Not Funny! Friday posts.

First up is my friend Wendi. If you haven't read this post of hers that deals with 'coons and plant watering, it's a MUST read. Seriously, only the in the south people, only in the south. Go read it now, you won't be disappointed.

Next, I've picked the following flashback Das Not Funny! Friday posts because, well, they're still happening around here on some level. Here's the first one, originally posted on May 7, 2009.

Lucas and I headed out to Walmart to pick up some things one afternoon. As we were walking through the parking lot, we approached an elderly lady loading her purchases into the trunk of her car. She was wearing a hat much like this one (minus those dope shades):

In his typical, louder-than-necessary, voice he says to me, "Mom! Look! A Cowboy!"

We've encountered cowboys before, but somehow, I didn't think this lady wanted to A) Be called a man. Or B) Entertain a (almost) 3 year old.

"No, honey, that's not a cowboy." I replied.

"Yep, it is Mom. A Grandma Cowboy!" he said with a squeal.

Back to the present people: Unfortunately, Lucas continues to think that anybody with any other head covering besides a baseball cap is a COWBOY! I've yet to convince him otherwise.

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Originally posted on May 1, 2009:

You know that you are kuntry when your (almost) 3 year old says,

"Mom. I nayde some chock chock may-yulk."

And, you're also kuntry if you know exactly what I just said without having to say it aloud to yourself 10 times.

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Finally, a flashback to the post that started it all. Originally posted on March 17, 2009 but still heard being sung loud and cheerful every time we are in the Big Red Beast...

For Christmas or Valentine's or some holiday, Luke's Aunt sent the kids a CD with a bunch of kids' song. We have learned several new songs including: Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, Zaccheaus, The B-I-B-L-E and a song called Praise Him! (which Elizabeth has alternately titled Everything That Has Breaf). This CD has become our theme music as we roll down the road in the Big Red Beast. I actually caught myself singing along the other day as I drove to the store, without the kids.

Recently we have started learning a new song, "Who Did Swallow Jonah?" The beginning goes a little something like....

Who did? Who did?
Who did? Who did?
Who did swallow, Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo...

Who did? Who did?
Who did? Who did?
Who did swallow, Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo...

Who did? Who did?
Who did? Who did?
Who did swallow, Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo...

Who did swallow Jonah down?

Well, being the musical genuises that my eldest children are, they LOVED this new song. After listening to it 4,924 times in a row I finally convinced them to listen to a few others, giving Jonah a break. Approximately 5 minutes later, I hear the following request from the back of the van...

"Pooted Mommy!"

"What?"

"Pooted!"

"Who pooted?"

"No. We wanna hear Pooted!"

"Excuse me?"

"Pooted swallow Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo!"

Crying and unable to drive, I turn it back to Pooted. (If you don't get it, sing the song above, outloud, in the loudest voice possible.)


There you go folks. Hope y'all have an awesome weekend. Don't forget to link your Das Not Funny! Friday posts below.

Growing

They're getting so big that sometimes my heart can barely take it.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Walnuts, Glue and Federal Disaster Areas

Friday! Yes! This means Luke and I will get to spend a romantic evening catching up on the season/series premiere TV we Tivo'd VCR recorded last night. We not only live with the latest technological advances but our Friday nights are packed with romance. Be jealous people, be very jealous.

At any rate, we've had an exciting week to say the very least. Ashlee had to have her forehead glued shut with liquid stitches (that's a whole 'nother post), I heard baby #6's heartbeat for the second time ever and life in general was just busy, busy, busy. We managed to squeak in a few several laughs along the way. Won't you join me this week for Das Not Funny! Friday?

Here, I'll go first and show you that it's relatively painless. I am about to tell on myself. I will only do so if you promise not to make any jokes or comments about me. At least not to my face, anyway. Ok?

Good.

I was snacking on some walnuts earlier this week and probably shoving them into my mouth much faster than is socially acceptable (Britt, I was IN the zone.)

Anyway, about an hour later I felt the baby moving. I lovingly placed my hand on my tummy only to feel that my belly button had suddenly become very much of an outie. "Huh?" I thought to myself. That's quick.

As I scanned my hand over my tummy again I thought, "Man, my belly button is awfully hard."

I raise up my shirt to inspect further and out of my belly button pops a walnut. So I did what any self-respecting pregnant woman would do. I picked it up and ate it.

Glad I live with gorillas who understand such primitive behavior.

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After the brass swallowing incident and promising myself that we would not be back at the doctor's office for a long, long while, I recanted my promise promptly on Tuesday evening. Lucas allegedly pushed Ashlee down and what resulted was a substantial sized hole in her head which required an after-hours doctors visit.

Ashlee was very brave about the whole thing and even while the doctor was gluing her forehead back together she was boldly professing, "Dis is fun! I wike dis."

Really? Because Mommy almost fainted at the sight of your blood, so let's not make it habit, mmkay?

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I see Lucas emerging from the bathroom, still pulling his pants up. Naturally, and because I'm slowing turning into a broken tape recorder (we still have a VCR, remember) I say, "Lucas did you wash your hands after you went potty?"

Lucas: "Nope. I don't need to Mom."

Me: "Yes sir, you do too. Please go wash them."

Lucas: "But Mom! I didn't touch my penis!"

Good to know. I'm sure that makes your aim so much better.

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Last Friday was just one of those days. Those days where you know that there is no chance you'll ever get dinner on the table before the children's stomachs begin eating themselves. So, we ordered pizza. After ordering a wave of nausea hit me hard enough to knock King Kong on his back (you know, if boy gorillas got pregnancy sickness and all). Anyway, as I hover over the toilet and ralph up any and all contents of my stomach, Elizabeth comes into the bathroom and stands behind me.

Elizabeth: "Um. Mom. You're really not going to be happy."

Me: Gurgle. Spit. Gag. "Okay honey. Please give me some privacy. I'll be out in a moment."

Elizabeth: Still standing behind me. "Lucas and Ashlee have done something really bad Mom. You need to come see."

Me: Gag. Spit. Heave. "Okay, just give me a few minutes, okay?"

I gather myself and follow Elizabeth into the girls' room. I see the following when I look into the girls' closet.

Now, that may not look like much, but notice how the clothes come to the top of the bottom drawer of that drawer bin in the back. That bottom drawer is at least 12 inches tall.

Me, to Lucas and Ashlee: "What in the world did you guys do?"

Lucas: "We pulded da cwose down."

Me: "Well, I can see that. Why would you do that?"

Ashlee: "Becawse. We needed to jump on dem."

Every. Single. Article. Of. Clothing. Pulled down from their previously hung-up home and strewn out of the drawers. Every shoe off of the shoe rack on the right. The only 3 pieces of clothing left are 3 dresses of Baby Girl's that they were too short to reach.

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Well, there you go. If you'd like to play along, simply write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and link it back to here. Then, enter your info into MckLinky so we can all hop over and read your funnies.

Y'all have a good weekend. And remember, keep the romance alive. Settle in with your Honey, VCR some prime time TV and treat yourself to some Texas Pete Popcorn.

But Mom! Dats what gurilldas do!

Picture my two 3 year olds jumping over furniture, sitting on the tip-top of the back of the couch, flinging random toys across our basement and jumping from one stationary object to another.

Picture me saying over and over and over and over again,
"Please do not do that. It's not safe!"
"Please stop Ashlee, you're going to hurt yourself."
"Lucas, when you fall off of there and crack your head open, I'm not going to be sorry for you because I told you to get down several times already."

Finally, picture the above mentioned 3 year olds, looking at me ever-so-seriously, and replying, "But Mom! Dats what gurilldas do!"

Glad I'm raising up gorillas, not children. That explains all the poop I blog about.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Don't wook at my brass poop.

Friday again! Who's up for another round of Das Not Funny! Friday? I am!

What is Das Not Funny! Friday, you ask? Welllllll, I've always said that I want to write down the funny things that my kids are forever saying. However, I stink at journaling. Therefore, I began posting them here on Fridays. They're called Das Not Funny! because when our daughter Ashlee does something funny and we laugh at her, she usually frowns (like pictured above) and says, "Das not funny Mommy!"

She's a TAD dramatic and doesn't realize that this comment only makes her antics even funnier. I hope you'll join me and play along for this week's Das Not Funny! Friday.

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Monday did not go as scheduled this week. The physical therapist was here for Baby Girl so I sent the twins to the basement to play (Elizabeth was over at Nana's house that morning). After checking on them several times, I realized that they were quiet. Too quiet. The following is the conversation that transpired next...

"Ashlee! Lucas! What are you guys doing?"

Giggling from the basement echos up the stairs.

"GUYS! What is going on down there?"

"We's just playin' Momma," Ashlee calls.

"Um. Playing what exactly?"

"We's eatin' dees fangs."

"You're eating what?!?"

"Dose fangs in Woocas mouth."

"What things? Bring them here now!"

They both creep up the stairs.

"Lucas, what are you eating?"

"Gurwillda food," he states, logically.

"Show me please, NOW."

He opens his hand to reveal several brass shelf hangers from a shelving unit.

"Did you have those in your mouth Lucas?"

"Yep."

"Did you eat any?"

"Yep."

We spent the next 4.5 hours at various doctors offices getting x-rays and verifying that a brass shelf hanger apparently denigrates upon ingestion. Either that, or he really didn't swallow it at all.

I'll let you decide which is true.

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Last night Lucas was helping me make dinner. We open our pantry and both discover a horrible smell (thanks to some rotten potatoes). Lucas turns to me and says,

"Shoooo weeee Mommy. You poot stinks."

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Ashlee to me, from the bathroom: "Mooooooom. I'm done. Come wipe me."

I enter the bathroom and begin her requested task.

She adds, "Wipe me good Mom. But cwose your eyes. Don't wook at my poop.."

Somehow, those two things cannot be accomplished at the same time little girl.

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If you'd like to play along write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post then enter all your info into MckLinky.

Y'all have a great weekend, free from poop or brass shelf hangers or either of those two combined.

Homeschooling Woes

It's been another interesting week around here. I wish I could say something profound, or even witty, but I'm afraid my brain is on a vacation. Tomorrow we head out to Bible Study in the morning, then we have SO MUCH homeschooling to catch up on.

Here's my predicament:

We wake up, eat breakfast and have play time while I feed and diaper babies and clean up from breakfast. Then, we begin schooling. Usually, it is interrupted by poopies or snacks or boo-boos or some such common occurrence. I promise myself, and Elizabeth, that we will finish during nap time, but when nap time finally gets here I just want to SIT and do nothing in the hopes that I can recuperate from the morning and not grow increasingly nauseous. So, what we plan for nap time gets pushed to the next day.

It's a viscous cycle and one that I'm afraid I'm not doing too much to break. Any advice from you "seasoned" homeschoolers for this worn-out, nauseous, brain-dead Momma?

Come on people, I know you've got to have SOMETHING....

Oh My Wordy, Luke is 30

Last week, Luke turned 30. In keeping with the theme of 3's and 0's I thought it would be fun to list 30 reasons why I love my man so very, very much. So here they are, in no particular order...

1. He loves Jesus.

2. He scratches itchy spots my back, even when it means he has to wake up and roll over.

3. He never makes fun of me when I'm an emotional wreck and I cry over stupid TV shows and gut wrenching blogs.

4. He doesn't nag me about only shaving my legs once a week. (And once every 2 weeks in the winter.)

5. He's a good baby Daddy.

6. He knows how to make me laugh until I pee.

7. He's not afraid to drop it like it's hot.

8. He has curly, red hair and baby blue eyes. *sigh*

9. He holds my hair back when I throw up, then brings me a cold wash cloth to wipe off my face.

10. He genuinely loves our kids, as is evidenced by his willingness to wipe their butts even when they stink.

11. He tries, every night, to stay awake past 10pm so I will feel like he wants to spend time with me.

12. He gets up at night with our kids, even though he usually doesn't remember doing so the next morning.

13. He's doesn't mind that I break wind like a man.

14. He eats at the restaurant of my choice, even when it's his birthday.

15. He makes a mean grilled cheese and bologna sandwich.

16. He holds my hand in public.

17. He looks mighty fine in a tie.

18. He will get out of bed and turn on the ceiling fan because I'm hot.

19. He will get out of bed and get some water because I'm thirsty.

20. He will get out of bed and turn off the light that I left on.

21. He knows how to use and allen wrench like nobody's business.

22. He's good at filing important papers so that I can find them when I need them.

23. He doesn't get angry when I don't re-file the important papers that I needed to find.

24. He doesn't care that I don't wear make up 99.99% of the time.

25. He squeezes the zits that I cannot reach.

26. He loves me even when I'm not so lovable and I have morning breath.

27. He respects my personal pillow space.

28. He knows I'm totally not type A and loves me anyway.

29. He can shake it like a Polaroid picture.

30. He works to pay the bills so that I can stay home all day, eat bon-bons and watch my soaps.

Happy 30th Birthday Baby! I love you.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Potties, Mountains and Old Men

Oh it's Friday already! Yay! Even thought Monday was a holiday, this week has gone by slowly around here. I think my body is getting re-acclimated to life at home and making up for nearly-to-none nausea during out mountain vacation. I've felt horrible this week.

However, nothing soothes my soul (if not my stomach) like a good laugh. I hope you will sit back and have a good chuckle over the funny things my kids said and/or did in this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday.

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Earlier last week, Ashlee was helping me cook dinner when she abruptly leaned over the kitchen sink and began gagging and spitting.

"Ashlee, what are you doing?" I asked.

"Ohhhh, my tummy wealwee hurts," she said, in a pitiful voice.

"Why does your tummy hurt?" I asked, knowing what her response would be.

"Becawse. I gots a baby in my tummy and it makes me grownin' up."

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At our mountain "cabin" (and I use the term "cabin" loosely because this place was WAY nice), 2 of the bathrooms had a bidet. At first Elizabeth thought they were "man potties" (urinals). Once she realized what they were and their purpose, it was only logical that she needed to move up the social ladder in reference to her bathroom experiences and take one for a spin.

I let Luke do the honors of helping her and stood in the doorway and observed. She was a little leery, but as soon as the washing began she began shrieking with laughter. Apparently it tickled more than it cleaned.

Now don't go thinking that our 5 year old princess is a regular bathroom snob now that she's, ahem, sat on the rim of luxury. Only hours later, she used a fallen tree as an out house. We like to think we gave her a culturally diverse bathroom experience over the long weekend.

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Ashlee on the other hand misunderstood the bidet's use. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME she went into the bathroom, she would pull down her pants and begin to climb onto the new kind of potty and claim,

"Momma, I need to poop in dat."

I'm thinking the homeowners would not appreciate that so much little girl.

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Lucas did, indeed, use the bidet as a urinal several times. He also used trees, bushes and the rail of the deck as his personal urinal. At least his standards from home life to mountain life did not change all that much.

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Ashlee finally got a chance to use the "poop potty" just before we left. She too thought it was more funny than purposeful.

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Yesterday, Luke turned 30. I plan on doing a whole 'nother post about that, but for now I will tell you that I had a delightful time on Thursday, provoking the children to call him "old man" and ask about his walker.

Lucas, taking initiative of his own, turned to Luke and asked, "Hey old mens, where is your walkin' stick?"

Hilarious. At least for another 45 days. Then I won't think 30 is quite so old.

Well, folks, that's it for this week. I hope you will play along and write your won Das Not Funny! Friday post. If you do, please enter your info into MckLinky so that we can all read the funny things your kids or husband or friend or self said and/or did this week that was funny.

Y'all have an awesome weekend.

Hands Full Overflowing

I have never denied that Luke and I have our "hands full." I may have not always wanted to admit it openly, but never have I denied it.

Still, I can't help but think...."Surely we are not the only ones, living in complete chaos, desperate to seek God's desires and yet wondering if we REALLY heard God right when He called us to this place."

After all, 6 kids ages five and under IS a little crazy. Not to mention we are trying to sell our house and homeschooling and fostering and ...well, you know, everything.

Then, today I found this blog (thanks Holly):

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Now, before you click away and say..."Oh, ANOTHER blog" hear me out. This girl, this YOUNG girl, is 20 years old. She followed God's call to Uganda and is now mothering 13 children and supporting 400 more through her ministry. A ministry that God began and is consistently providing for.

Yes, Luke and I have our hands full. But as tears stream down my face after only reading 3 entries on her blog, I KNOW that having hands full of what God is given us is the ONLY place that I want to be. What if we ALL got so uncomfortable by following God's commands that everyone else thought we were crazy? What could we do for lost people then? And how would God fill up our hands so much that blessings overflow them to the point of no return.

I can't even imagine.

Bunch-O-Random

The following post you are about to read will be a bunch-o-random fun. And I use the term "fun" loosely. I figured I'd better hurry up and post before I lose the 2 readers I have left.

We had a great holiday weekend, brought on by my (step)Dad calling at 9:00am on Friday morning and asking if we'd like to go to the mountains for the long weekend, his treat.

Um? Does he know us at all? Free + vacation = Us. So, after a busy morning of going to art and morning gymnastics, then nap time where I did anything BUT prepare for a 3 day vacation, I threw the kids' clothing in bags and sent them ahead of myself, Luke and the babies with MeMe and PawPaw. Luke and I arrived later that evening, with Baby Girl and Aaron in tow. It was a great weekend, filled with hiking, creek splashing, deck dining and memory making.

Our "cabin" was nicer than our house and had a few "amenities" that I will share with you on Friday (oh yeah, peeps...it was hilarious).

The big kids loved being able to choose which room they slept in, whom they slept with and the ability to speak to the downstairs dwelling adults (that would be me, Luke and my parents) through the 2x4 boards that this cabin used as flooring. We could seriously see light between the planks. It was an awesome weekend.

In other news (because I know you're just on the edge of your seat with this post already) Baby Girl is officially crawling and is attempting to pull up on anything that will stand still for 2 minutes. She's wobbly and falls A LOT but she's learning that life with mobility is fun, fun, fun.

Aaron is getting more and more teeth and walking running everywhere. He's independent and loves it. He spent the majority of the weekend walking around outside on the deck enjoying the freedom of the open road. Only, he didn't have full freedom and he wasn't on the road, so take that whole previous sentence with a grain of salt.

My "morning" sickness is getting better. I only manage to dry heave 3 to 5 times a day rather than the 30+ that I was before. I think I'm beginning to feel little movements (versus what I thought was movement a couple weeks ago and turned out to be gas). I've sworn off soda as I realized that it was causing me intense pain in my digestive tract. It's been hard being clean and sober from Dr. Pepper these last few weeks, but my insides are thanking me. If you're looking at buying stock in Dr. Pepper you may want to wait until after I deliver this baby. I'm sure their stock prices will soar after I consume approximately 12 two-liters per hour until I'm all caught up.

Well, that's about it. Be sure to come back on Friday because I can promise you that you will have a belly laugh or maybe a chuckle or just crack a smile, depending on how hard hearted you are.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Get the camera because this Giraffee is SO cute

Wowzers. It's Friday already? Really? Huh. You coulda fooled me. Man did this week ever fly by. However, it did not go by so fast that I forgot to capture some of our kids' funniest moments. Won't you join me in laughing at with your children, friends, family or, maybe even, yourself?

That's the purpose of Das Not Funny! Friday. I started this little blogapolooza so that I could share all the funny things my kids said and/or did during the week that made me chuckle, giggle or suppress side-splitting laughter. Maybe you'd like to see what it's all about before you play along? Okay, here goes....

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Ashlee's continued to have some trouble staying in the bed after bedtime. Earlier this week Luke and I were sitting in our room watching some TV as our bedroom door crept open. Since our bedroom light was on and Ashlee's eyes had already adjusted to her dark room. We see her head poke through the door, then quickly withdraw and one squinty eye peep in.

"What do you need, Ashlee?" I asked.

"Mommy, at da zoo, do they have baby girwaffes?" she asked.

"I'm sure they do," I responded, slightly peeved that this is what drew her out of her bedroom.

"Oh," she responded with relief, "Can I whold one?"

At least it was an important question.

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During our zoo trip the next day Lucas repeatedly said, about every animal, "Oh Momma, it's just soooooooo cute."

Sure son. Big hairy gorillas are "cute." So are chimpanzees that stick their behinds in our direction. And please, let's not forget that even rhinos are "just so cute."

I think I'm gonna start asking him to clarify when he says I look "cute."

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Lucas to Mr. Cecil, my Nana's boyfriend: "Hey Mr. Cecil. In my bedroom I was sweepin' and der was a deer. And it came into my bedroom and it ate up all my toys."

Mr. Cecil: "It did."

Lucas: "Yeah. But it was really just outside."

WHEW! Thanks for clarifying.

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Last night we celebrated my Dad's birthday over at my parents' house. Elizabeth finished eating, left the dining room, and went and grabbed a plastic Dora camcorder. She re-entered the dining room with the camera to her face and said, "Hey Birthday Boooooy!!!"

Glad she's getting a taste for the cinematography at an early age.

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There you go folks. If you'd like to play along it's super simple. Just write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and somewhere in it link back here to my post. Then, enter your information into MckLinky so that my blog can be linked back to yours.

Super simple and a great start to the long weekend. Y'all have a great Friday and an awesomely blessed Labor Day weekend!